British colonial style decorating was created when British citizens went to live in Africa, India, Asia, and the Caribbean in the late 1800's.
They adapted their refined British interior design style to the climate and available materials where they moved.
Here are a few ways to add British colonial style to your home.
How to Decorate in a British Colonial Style - AI generated image for inspirational use only
How to Decorate in a British Colonial Style - AI generated image for inspirational use onlyArchitecture
The architecture of homes in a British colonial style typically has high ceilings to let the heat rise and keep the room a bit cooler.
Oversized ceiling fans were also used to keep the rooms cool.
The ceilings were often made of wood and floors were made of wood or stone, since they were readily available.
Walls were usually solid white in color or stained wood.
Windows were used to let in light and a breeze. Opening windows on opposite sides of the home created cross ventilation to keep the home cool.
Shutters on the windows helped control the light and protect the windows in extreme weather.
How to Decorate in a British Colonial Style - AI generated image for inspirational use onlyFurniture
British expatriates liked formal furniture in dark mahogany wood that withstands humid climates.
Upholstery was often solid white in color, but sometimes had a pattern such as a botanical or simple stripe.
They also appreciated the campaign furniture style, which is furniture that is easily disassembled, packed, and moved.
Campaign furniture was often made of lighter weight local materials, such as bamboo, wicker, and rattan.
Steamer trunks and suitcases are sometimes used as furniture.
How to Decorate in a British Colonial Style - AI generated image for inspirational use onlyFabrics
Many fabrics in a British colonial home were solid white linen or cotton.
They did use some botanical prints and animal prints in small quantities as accent fabrics, typically on throw pillows, placemats, throw blankets, and other small items to add softness and style to a room.
An interior designer tip is to be very careful using tropical or exotic printed accent fabrics depicting animals, animal print, or botanicals because they can often look juvenile and cheap, like they were a mass produced trinket bought at a cheap gift shop.
Rugs were often a natural colored jute, sisal, or sea grass, however sometimes locally purchased oriental rugs.
In bedrooms, there was often a four poster mahogany bed surrounded by a solid white mosquito netting.
Artwork
British families at that time were very interested in the study of botany, so botanical items are often used as artwork.
They also hung ornate mirrors on the wall.
British colonial homes were often dominated by windows, so minimal artwork was necessary.
How to Decorate in a British Colonial Style - AI generated image for inspirational use only
Accessories
British expatriates were well traveled and liked to show off their quality home furnishings.
They enjoyed displaying fine crystal, fine china, silver items, Asian blue and white chinoiserie porcelain, pineapple symbols, animal horn, tortoise shell, hurricane lamps, seashells, maps, and telescopes.
When decorating your home, try to avoid monkey prints and palm tree prints that are not true to style.
Try not to go overboard with an overuse of pineapple decor.
Plants
Indoor plants are very common in British colonial style homes.
There was often a potted palm tree, perhaps some potted ferns, as well as some exotic looking flowers (such as an orchid) in the living areas.
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